Challenges impacting on small independent retailers performance in Soweto, Johannesburg in South Africa

This study investigated the challenges independent retailers in Soweto, Johannesburg in South Africa face. The empirical research using a survey method was conducted among independent retailers selling different types of goods. Due to inaccessibility of a database on independent retailers in SA, a convenience sampling method was adopted for the study. Existing literature was used to design a questionnaire targeted at independent retailers to investigate the challenges that impact on their business performance. The findings of the study revealed that competition is the major challenge that independent retailers face which is supported by existing research findings. Other challenges included costs of buying the products, high inventory costs and high rental costs. Furthermore, this study found that marketing related challenges are major challenges compared to finance related challenges. Independent retailers need to market the businesses appropriately in order to survive and do better than their competitors.

Keywords: independent retailess, costs, buying, selling, goods.
JEL Classification: L81, F1